Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
How to prevent obesity with food, activity, sleep and regular health checks.
Preventing obesity is easier than treating it. Small habits, started early, work best.
Eat well
Stay active
Sleep and stress
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep for adults, and more for children and teens. Manage stress with relaxation, hobbies and support.
Know your numbers
Check weight, waist, blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol regularly, especially after 30 or with family history. Check thyroid if you have unexplained weight gain.
Children and families
Medicines
If a medicine you take causes weight gain, talk to your doctor before stopping it.
Pregnancy
Healthy weight gain in pregnancy as advised by your doctor, and healthy habits afterwards.
Remember
Prevention is about steady habits and a supportive home, not strict diets.
When to get help
See a doctor if you are gaining weight steadily, have a large waist or have symptoms such as breathlessness, snoring, joint pain or excessive thirst. Avoid crash diets, slimming teas and fat-burner products, and do not give herbs, supplements or weight-loss plans to children or teens without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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